It's about political will, not technology or money.

Gil Penalosa joins me in this first episode of Season Five for an in-depth discussion about what it takes to create Cities For Everyone. Topics include the early days of "Ciclovia" or Open Streets, his recent mayoral run there in Toronto, the bold moves we must take to address the severe challenges ahead, and how creating more Active Towns will help.

We also highlight that change is possible, looking at the experience of Copenhagen and cities in the Netherlands making the shift away from car dependency through the build-out of safe and inviting cycle networks for All Ages & Abilities. We also discuss the current transformation currently underway, including in Paris under the firm, visionary leadership of Mayor Hildalgo.

Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):

0:00:00 Cold Open
0:01:54 Start of the episode
0:08:25 Ciclovia
0:15:00 Go Big!
0:17:54 Car Free Paris
0:19:00 Noise of Cars
0:22:26 Gil's Run for Mayor
0:30:47 Citywide 30 kpm
0:39:53 Webinars
0:49:57 Everyday Activity
0:53:58 What's New in 2023

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Credits: Video and audio production by John Simmerman

Resources used during the production of this video:

For more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:

Background:
Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and I’m a health promotion and public health professional with over 30 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.

Since 2010, I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that promote a "Culture of Activity" for "All Ages & Abilities."

The Active Towns Channel features my original video content and reflections, including a selection of podcast episodes and short films profiling the positive and inspiring efforts happening around the world as I am able to experience and document them.

Thanks once again for tuning in! I hope you find this content helpful and insightful.

Creative Commons License: Attributions, Non-Commercial, No Derivatives, 2023

[thetowercoffeehour]

I''ll be watching for his comments on engaging and supporting older adult communities.

[markcramer]

The 30 km limit works splendidly. Our small city only has 4 remaining streets that are not within the 30 km among 150. It's great to have a neat number, 30, to rally around. Seeing all the people on our streets makes me suspect that the level of health has improved, an idea explained by Mr Peñalosa around minute 48 of this podcast. As an oldtimer, I can add that the oldest amongst us retain their autonomy when they can walk to the food market, park and pharmacy.